'Beautiful' landscape becomes nature reserve

A view of Crooksbury Hill, which forms part of the new Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve

A Surrey landscape which is home to lizards and an area known as the Devil's Punchbowl has been designated a national nature reserve.

Natural England, which advises the government on the environment, announced the creation of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve on Friday.

It means the 2,766-hectare landscape has been marked out as an area of focus for conservation and nature restoration efforts.

The new reserve is the ninth to be created as part of the King's Series, which aims to make or extend 25 national nature reserves by 2027.

The landscape boasts a rich mix of habitats, including acidic grassland, regenerating woodland and heath – making it a haven for rare species such as sand lizards, nightjars, adders and natterjack toads.

It is also home to the Devil's Punchbowl – a natural amphitheatre in the heathlands near Hindhead, which is said to have been formed when the Devil scooped up earth to throw at Thor.

'Atmospheric landscape'

It inspired literary figures such as Arthur Conan Doyle and Alfred Lord Tennyson, who wrote Flower In The Crannied Wall in Waggoners Well.

The new reserve combines the existing Thursley National Nature Reserve with 2,440 hectares of partner-managed land – of which 1,784 hectares are designated as a site of special scientific interest.

Nature minister Mary Creagh said: "This new reserve offers wonderful opportunities for people to experience the outdoors and spot rare wildlife in a place which has been a source of cultural inspiration for centuries."

Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, said: "The beautiful atmospheric landscape has had a huge influence in culture over the centuries, from folklore to poetry.

"Its new status as a national nature reserve will ensure future generations continue to be inspired."